When interior designer Tara Ashwell, founder and creative director at Tara Ashwell Designs, came across a dilapidated Victorian property in Rotherfield, East Sussex, she wasn’t put off by its tired appearance, instead she instantly recognised its incredible potential – despite it not having been updated for over 50 years.
After purchasing the property, Tara embarked on an 18-month journey from conception to completion, transforming the four-bedroom country house and the derelict two-story coach house into a warm, contemporary family home complete with a luxurious self-contained annex.
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Central to the project was the sensitive restoration of the two buildings, alongside the thoughtful opening up of a series of smaller rooms to invite light and encourage a sense of flow throughout the home. At its heart lies a striking open-plan kitchen, framed by a stunning glass extension that perfectly balances elegance with modern functionality. The result is a timeless, welcoming family home, where contemporary design meets classic elegance.
“One of the main challenges of the project was modernising the home while preserving its historical character, particularly within a conservation area,” says designer Tara. “Every home has its own story, and my aim is always to bring that story to life through thoughtful design.”
“The materials for both the interior and exterior were carefully chosen to complement the home’s original features while enhancing the modern architectural design, creating a space that feels both contemporary and inviting.”
Lighting played a pivotal role in the home’s transformation, evolving the space from dark and dull to warm and welcoming. To complement the property’s period features and contemporary flow, Tara opted for Industville lighting in the heart of the home, choosing fixtures that balanced warmth, texture and timeless appeal.
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The kitchen is a standout feature of the home, anchored by three glowing brass dome pendants from Industville, suspended gracefully above the island. The space is further enhanced by the brand’s black and brass cone wall lights, which complement architectural details such as the black Crittall glass doors. Every element has been thoughtfully considered, layered, and crafted to feel both striking and enduring - qualities that lie at the heart of Industville’s design philosophy.
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“I have loved and used Industville’s lighting in my projects for over a decade now,” says Tara. “Their collections are incredibly versatile and adaptable, making it effortless to integrate them seamlessly into any design.”
“What I love most is how their lighting continues to evolve - their latest designs, showcased at Decorex 2025, introduce natural materials like linen alongside brass detailing, which adds a modern softness to their industrial heritage.”
The appreciation is mutual with founder of Industville Mara Miller remarking that this project is a stunning example of heritage and modernity meeting in harmony.
“The kitchen is such a natural setting for our industrial-inspired products - it’s where function and beauty have to co-exist seamlessly. In the Rotherfield project in particular, the choice of brass finishes perfectly complements the cabinet handles, tap and other detailing, creating a sense of cohesion and quiet luxury.
“What makes this project stand out is how the materials speak to one another with the textures, tones and finishes all working in harmony to enhance a space that’s practical and welcoming for family life.”
As the Rotherfield project shows, thoughtful design has the power to shape how a space feels and functions. Our thanks to Tara for sharing her insight and for choosing our pieces to help bring this home to life. If you’re feeling inspired, explore our collection and see how considered lighting can elevate your next project. And if you’re a designer, our sales team would love to support you in setting up a trade account.
Images shared with thanks to: @taraashwelldesigns and photos by @joeykendalbrown
